Sir Timothy Charles Clark, the President of Dubai-based major international airline Emirates, has indicated that the airline will engage in “serious discussions” with US aerospace giant Boeing, following the announcement from the American aircraft manufacturing company regarding additional delays to its 777X model.
Boeing announced last week that the initial delivery of its widebody passenger jet has been rescheduled to 2026, which is nearly six years later than the original timeline for the 777X to be delivered to customers.
Emirates president commented on the delays today, indicating that the airline has been compelled to implement substantial and costly modifications to its fleet programs due to Boeing’s numerous contractual deficiencies. He emphasized that a serious discussion with Boeing is anticipated in the coming months.
As one of two major UAE carriers, Emirates is also one of Boeing’s largest customers for widebody aircraft, with an outstanding order for 150 planes.
The initial delivery of the 777X models was planned for 2021; however, the company has consistently postponed the launch date.
Two months ago, Boeing halted the flight tests for the 777X after identifying cracks in a vital component that connects the engines to the wings.
The delay in aircraft delivery is attributed to Boeing’s challenges with certification processes and labor strikes affecting approximately 33,000 of its employees in the United States. These ongoing strikes have adversely impacted the production of the company’s most popular aircraft, including the 737 MAX, 777, and 767, and have brought the 777X test program to a standstill.
Recently, Boeing announced its intention to reduce its workforce by 17,000 positions in the upcoming months, which accounts for nearly 10% of its total employees, as the company continues to face significant financial losses.
Clark voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the revised timelines for the delivery of the 777X, which have been communicated by other airline leaders who are awaiting supplies in light of robust travel demand.
“Considering the halt in Type Inspection Authorization for the 777X, with no definitive timeline for resumption, along with strikes now entering their fourth week, I find it difficult to understand how Boeing can provide any reliable delivery forecasts,” he remarked.
In response to the delays, Emirates has initiated a $3 billion retrofit program affecting 191 aircraft to manage the delay.
This initiative entails upgrading the airline’s current fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, incorporating next-generation seating and renovating the interiors to prolong their operational life.
Due to the prolonged delays, the airline has been compelled to extend the operational lifespans of its existing jets, resulting in increased maintenance costs for the aircraft.
